Class Descriptions
Detailed information about each of our Reading Groups
Books & Babies
(1-2yrs) 45 minutes
This class is designed to introduce little ones and their caregivers to Strong Roots Library and the joy of books and reading!
This group will start with circle time and English book reading; enjoy an age-appropriate sensory activity and then have time to explore the books in the library. Parents will have the chance to meet other parents and babies and enjoy a morning coffee!
Seeds
(2.5-3.5yrs) 45 Minutes
This group will introduce children and their caregivers to a traditional Strong Roots Reading Group. We’ll start with English Book reading at the table while enjoying a Strong Roots Snack*, work on two or three theme arts & crafts activities together, and spend some free time in the library area as time permits.
Consistency counts in our Reading Groups in terms of learning and developing English listening and speaking skills, and each child will have a year-end portfolio to take home from our Portfolio Party filled with their work throughout the school year!
Sprouts
(3.5-4.5yrs) 1 hour
This group is designed specifically for our preschoolers!
Children will enjoy English Book Reading time at the table, have a Strong Roots Snack* all together, and have plenty of time to work on creative projects that are based on the books of the week!
Our curriculum in this group is designed to develop English Skills like listening, speaking and vocabulary while also encouraging socialization and sharing with new friends, developing fine motor skills, all the while exploring their own creativity. Each child will receive a year-end Portfolio displaying all their beautiful work!
Please note, library membership is required for participation in the Sprouts group.
Branches
(4.5-5.5yrs) 1 hour
Our Branches group is for children who are accustomed to school and are getting ready to grow their English skills and expand their creativity too!
We’ll start with English Book Reading that includes more conversation and active learning; enjoy Strong Roots Snack* all together, and focus on more detailed and complicated creative projects.
Children will also practice speaking with and listening to their peers and they will be encouraged to complete their projects more independently. Each child will receive a year-end Portfolio displaying all their beautiful work!
Please note, library membership is required for participation in the Branches group.
Leaves
(1st grade level) 1 hour
Our Leaves group has been designed for children who are now in FIRST GRADE! (or already reading at a first grade level)
The class curriculum will develop as the year goes on; children will be encouraged to read out loud during English Book Reading Time (we will have snack*, of course!!).
They will also be challenged with more independently driven arts & crafts, and will work on their own personal dictionaries as they learn weekly vocabulary from the books of the week. Each child will also receive a year-end Portfolio displaying all their beautiful work!
Please note, library membership is required for participation in the Leaves group.
Trees
(2nd grade level) 1.15hrs
Our newest group has been developed to help solidify children's English reading and writing skills as they move toward more challenging English lessons in school.
This group will include reading out loud together, small amounts of at home reading homework, writing prompts and practices, a focus on learning and using new vocabulary, arts & crafts and games depending on the day; and snack* too! Each child will end the year with a Portfolio of all their work throughout the year.
Please note, library membership is required for participation in the Trees group as each month’s books will be distributed from the library.
Book Club
(3rd grade+) 1.5hrs
Our Book Club group is designed for our more experienced readers who are ready to dive deeper into stories, characters, and ideas!
Each session is built around a shared monthly title, with lively group discussion, reading comprehension activities, and creative response projects tied to that book. Of course, we'll enjoy a Strong Roots Snack* together as we talk about what we're reading!
This group focuses on building critical thinking, comprehension, and expressive speaking skills as children learn to share their opinions, ask thoughtful questions, and listen to their peers. Children will also continue to grow their vocabulary and love of reading through longer, more complex texts. Each child will receive a year-end Portfolio displaying all their beautiful work!
Please note, library membership is required for participation in the Book Club group, as each month's book will be distributed from the library.